as possible.presidentobamainitiallysuggested $250,000 or above should see an increase. that number will probably be maybe 400,000, 500 thousands, but republicans want to see spending cuts. today they talked about changing the way social security benefits would be administered over time and save money, entitlement reform. that's off the table so republicans are saying where are we going off spending cuts? there's a hangup there. democrats on the other hand looking for a way to keep taxes for high for the higher income earners. instead of $400,000 they would like to lower that to $250,000 or above, so there's a sticking point on taxes and spending. but as you said, all eyes should be on the senate. the senate needs to pass a bill and it's run by democrats. they're really fighting amongst themself now to agree on a measure they can pass. literally by tomorrow, by new year's eve, in order to send something to the house in time to avert the fiscal cliff. >> you're the expert on this. you work on the hill every day. procedurally we've gotten past the point to get anything passed by the f